risk mitigation

Prepare Now For Severe Weather

Extreme weather conditions can create unexpected mechanical issues, safety concerns and possible delays, but proactive weatherproofing can help keep equipment running and protect drivers.

“Servicing and maintaining critical vehicle components ahead of severe weather can help prevent breakdowns, control costs and improve overall efficiency,” said Chris Hough, vice president of maintenance design and engineering at Penske Truck Leasing.

Electrical and Air System Checks

Electrical and air systems are the two areas most affected by cold temperatures. Proactive electrical system maintenance is critical to limiting electrical system issues. It is also essential to test batteries, replace them if needed, and clean battery terminals and cable connections. Any corrosion or buildup can inhibit electrical flow.

Batteries can fail under the high starting load they face in cold weather, so it is important to limit parasitic draw when trucks are parked. “Unplug driver convenience items such as coolers, TVs or other add-on items anytime a unit sits idle for a day or longer,” Hough said.

Air drier desiccant filters need to be changed regularly to maintain air system health. Hough also recommends drivers take time daily to ensure the vehicle's air system is water-free. Moisture in the tanks can freeze, affecting braking systems and other critical components.

Pre and Post-Trip Inspections

Drivers' pre and post-trip inspections are always necessary, and some items need extra attention in the winter. Hough recommends drivers inspect the wiper blades to ensure they are not torn or damaged, and double-check the windshield solvent level and top off if they are low.

Drivers should check to ensure all lighting is free of snow and ice buildup and clean as necessary, drain the air tanks often, and always ensure the truck's safety equipment is present. “Triangles and a fire extinguisher are two examples,” Hough said.

As vehicle safety technology evolves, there are more and more sensors on the vehicle, which can malfunction if blocked. “If the front radar sensor becomes covered with ice or snow, the driver may receive a system notification from the dash cluster that the ‘Radar sensor is blocked,’” Hough said.

To help prevent the issue, drivers can use a broom or small brush to dust off the ice or snow during pre-trip inspections. If drivers are already on the road, Hough recommends they find a safe place to pull off the road, inspect the radar then remove the ice or snow. “The windshield area in front of the camera must also be free of snow and ice,” he added.

Block Heaters

Plugging in block heaters when a unit is parked can help ensure vehicles start up again. Vehicles operating in cold regions are typically spec’d with a cold-weather package with pre-installed block heaters.

“Most of today's block heaters are thermostat-controlled and will only draw electric power when the coolant temperature drops below a preset set temperature,” Hough said. “The thermostatically controlled heater system decreases the energy required to maintain the correct coolant/oil temperature.”

Winterized Diesel Fuel

Diesel fuel can gel as temperatures drop, clogging a diesel fuel line and preventing trucks from starting. Penske pretreats fuel at most of its locations with additives that prevent gelling. Treatment typically begins on Nov. 1 and goes into March.

Plus, Penske’s fueling locations are full service, so drivers can remain in the cab, which can be an added convenience in cold weather. Penske's employees also walk around the tractor and trailer and check for maintenance issues, such as mud flaps, headlights or taillights that need repair.

If drivers cannot fuel at a Penske location and are in an area where ambient temperatures are expected to drop below the cold filter plugging point of the fuel, they can treat vehicle saddle tanks with one bottle per saddle tank of RED ALERT™. The driver should allow the vehicle to run long enough for the product to circulate through the fuel system before being shut down for the night. RED ALERT will also re-liquefy gelled fuel, if necessary.

Tire Conditions

Tire condition is also essential for performing in icy and snowy conditions. Tread depth should be a minimum of 5/32 inches for winter driving. Air contracts as temperatures drop, and cold weather can reduce tire pressure, decreasing traction. Tire pressures should be checked regularly and adjusted as needed.

Drivers should also ensure tire chains are in proper condition and they have working flares and triangles.

Resource LibraryResourcesRisk Mitigation
truck collisionsarticleleasingindustry resourcesindustry articlesmitigate riskrisk mitigationwinter weatherwinter drivingwinter driving hazardswinter driving tripstruck safetydriver safetysevere weather

Stay One Step Ahead: Protect Your Fleet From Animal Strikes

Animal collisions can cause severe vehicle damage, resulting in the need for repairs. U.S. drivers on average have a 1 in 128 chance of a collision with an animal, according to an annual study by State Farm. The figure includes dogs, coyotes, rodents and deer. Deer remain the No. 1 animal involved in a collision.

[Read more...]Show less
Resource LibraryResourcesRisk Mitigation
animal strikeavoid animal strikesavoid hitting animalsmitigate animal strike risktruck collisionsarticleleasingindustry resourcesindustry articlesmitigate riskrisk mitigationanimal collisions

Oh Deer: 9 Ways to Avoid Animal Strikes

Did you know November is deer mating season? That means drivers run a high risk for collisions with deer and other wildlife. Data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety shows that animal-vehicle collisions are two times more likely in November than in any other month of the year.

[Read more...]Show less
SafetyResourcesResource Library
animal collisionsanimal-vehicle collisionsavoid animal collisionsavoid animal strikesavoid hitting deerbulletindeer mating seasonsafetysafety bulletinanimal strikerisk mitigationrisk management

Secure Your Cargo (& Avoid the Perils of Shifting Loads)

As a professional driver, you face countless challenges on the road, and you can’t anticipate them all. But here’s one that’s totally within your control: keeping your cargo safe and secure.

Proper cargo securement is more than just making sure every item in your trailer or flatbed is tied down. It also involves achieving the right balance. When your cargo is evenly distributed, you’ll avoid the risk of load shifting. It’s a serious problem that makes a truck difficult to drive. It can even cause a truck to roll over.

A few ways to secure your cargo and prevent load shifting:

  • Sweep out your trailer so you start with a clean floor.
  • Inspect all securement devices (tie-downs, ratchet straps, chains, binders, cargo nets) for signs of wear and tear. Replace any damaged tie-downs and be sure to always carry more than needed just in case a replacement is needed while on the road.
  • Check the working load limit (WLL) of your tie-downs so you don’t overstress them.
  • Inspect the load you’ll be hauling. Look for the weight (which should be listed on the bill of lading) and length of your cargo.

As you load

  • Use the right number of tie-downs. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recommendations call for:
    • One tie-down for items that are 5 feet long or shorter and weigh 1,100 lbs. or less
    • Two tie-downs for
      • Items that are 5 feet long or shorter and weigh 1,100 lbs. or more
      • Items that are longer than 5 feet but shorter than 10 feet
    • Use additional tie-downs for every extra 10 foot of length
    • Unsure of how many tie-downs to use? Add an extra tie-down or two to be extra cautious.
  • Make sure all securement devices are tight but not too tight—they should snap like a rubber band.
  • Use edge protectors to prevent straps from damaging your cargo.
  • Secure any rolling cargo with chocks, wedges or cradles.
  • Distribute your load as evenly as possible and try to secure cargo to fixed points inside your trailer or on a flatbed.

As you drive

  • Inspect your cargo within the first 50 miles, then every 3 hours, 150 miles or at change of duty. Make sure nothing has shifted or moved. Tighten any loose tie-downs.
  • Drive safely. Take tight curves slowly. Avoid harsh braking. Slow down in inclement weather.

Remember, proper cargo securement is the driver’s responsibility. Take the time to balance your load, drive safely, and check your load in transport to keep you and your cargo safe.


SafetyResourcesResource Library
cargo safetysecure your cargoindustry insightsindustry resourcesleasingrisk mitigationsafetysafety bulletinbulletincargo securement

Cargo Theft Hits a New High

Cargo theft spiked last year, with thieves becoming more strategic and targeting high-value loads.

“The motives and the way the criminals are operating has changed, and cargo theft is increasing tremendously,” said Keith Lewis, vice president of operations at CargoNet, a Verisk company.

[Read more...]Show less
Resource LibraryResourcesRisk Mitigation
industry thefttruck theftindustry insightsindustry resourcesleasingrisk mitigationcargo theft

Cargo Theft Rose in 2022, Household Items, Electronics Top Targets

Cargo theft continued to increase in 2022, jumping 20%, with thieves targeting parking lots and warehouses, according to the latest data from CargoNet. Plus, events that involved the theft of at least one heavy commercial vehicle, such as a semi-truck or semi-trailer, increased by 17% year-over-year.

[Read more...]Show less
Resource LibraryResourcesRisk Mitigation
articleleasingindustry resourcesindustry insightscargo theftrisk mitigation

Avoid the Risks and Costs of Fluid Disposal With a Full-service Lease

Regular maintenance of Class 8 vehicles requires replacing and removing fluids to keep vehicles running. Used fluids must be recycled or disposed of correctly and documented from cradle to grave to meet regulatory requirements. Additionally, customers are increasingly interested in monitoring their carbon output and documenting recycling efforts.

[Read more...]Show less
Resource LibraryResourcesSustainability
avoid fluid disposal risksfluid disposalfluid disposal risksrisks of fluid disposalarticleleasingindustry resourcesindustry articlesrisk mitigationmitigate risktruck maintenancesustainability

Parking Locations, Time of Year Increase Risk of Cargo Theft

Cargo theft can be a costly issue for fleets, and the time of the year, the locations where drivers park, and the commodity drivers are hauling all contribute to a load's risk.

[Read more...]Show less
Resource LibraryResourcesRisk Mitigation
cargo theftholiday cargo theftrisk of cargo theftleasingarticleindustry resourcesindustry articlesrisk mitigation